Don't Ever Stop Marketing. Here Are Nine Reasons To Help You Keep Your Nerve

Have you ever started a marketing campaign and then got cold feet because early results weren't what you were expecting?

...You're not alone.

It happens to the the very best small businesses at some point; we think if we just pause it for a short while and think it over we can make it better. In my experience, this is never a good idea.

Remember, you've probably spent a great deal of time, effort and money working out your marketing plan, so starting again just costs you at least double.

Sure, if it's ill conceived in the first place and you haven't paid due diligence to your creative and media planning, then stop immediately, but if you have paid the price upfront, then here are nine things to help you keep on the straight and narrow.

1. Without marketing you're non-existant - Unless you get the word out there, no one will know about your products and services. 
2. People have short memories - We're constantly bombarded with marketing messages everyday. Way back in 2005, the Guardian reported this number could have been 3,500 adverts everyday! So if you're not marketing and getting the word out, how long do you think it will take for people to forget you?
3. Consistent marketing gives you an unfair advantage - It's been proven time and again in recession that businesses who keep their nerve and continue to market come out of the hard times much better positioned than more cautious competitors.
4. Your market changes daily - New jobs, new people, new families and new lifestyles create a never-ending conveyor belt of new opportunities for local businesses, so quitting your marketing puts you out of the game completely.
5. Keep customers coming back - Most local businesses rely on repeat and referral business. Stop contacting them and letting them know you're around can only mean you're going to be forgotten.
6. People are looking for what you have - Everyday, people in your area are looking for what you have with their credit cards at the ready. If you're not in front of them when they're ready, you can be sure one of your competitors will be.
7. Don't look like a failure - If you've been marketing and suddenly stop, what sign does this give your current and potential customers? Could they possibly see it as failure?
8. Marketing strengthens your brand - being seen means you're in business, and over time this helps build your reputation. When you stop marketing you've just wasted months and years of hard work.
9. Marketing pays the bills - Every business has overheads and consistent marketing means you can pay them. Stop marketing and it all dries up and you're out of business.

So there you have them, 9 solid reasons to keep up marketing your local business.